Premanand Maharaj suspends Yatra citing health issue

Renowned Vrindavan saint Premanand Maharaj will no longer be seen undertaking his early morning yatra at 2 AM to bless his devotees. Reports suggest that due to deteriorating health, his yatra has been suspended indefinitely. The official Instagram account of his disciples shared this information with followers.

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Last month, Premanand Maharaj’s health worsened, leading to his hospitalization. After showing signs of improvement, he resumed his morning yatra. However, it has now been halted once again.

सूचना
आप सभी को सूचित किया जाता है कि पूज्य महाराज जी के स्वास्थ व बढ़ती हुई भीड़ को देखते हुए, पूज्य महाराज जी, जो पद यात्रा करते हुए रात्रि 02:00 बजे से श्री हित राधा केलि कुंज जाते थे, जिसमें सब दर्शन पाते थे, वो अनिश्चित काल के लिए बंद किया जाता है।

श्री हित राधा केलि कुंज… pic.twitter.com/8NhzpYIf4K
— Bhajan Marg (@RadhaKeliKunj) February 6, 2025

A Tradition Comes to a Halt

Premanand Maharaj used to embark on his yatra from his residence in Vrindavan at 2 AM, walking towards Shri Hit Radha Keli Kunj while thousands of devotees lined the streets to catch a glimpse of him. Every night, as he took his walk, his supporters would create intricate rangolis and play drums and other musical instruments in his honour. To manage the growing crowd, his followers also barricaded the streets, which often led to inconvenience for local residents.

On Tuesday, residents of NRI Greens Society staged a protest, expressing their frustration over the noise pollution caused by the yatra. They claimed that the loud music and instrument playing in the middle of the night disturbed their sleep and caused distress to the elderly and sick. This growing discontent among locals has been cited as another possible reason for the suspension of the yatra.

A note was shared on the official Instagram account, “Bhajanmarg Official,” informing devotees of the decision. The post stated that the yatra has been put on hold indefinitely. Following this announcement, devotees have been praying for Maharaj’s speedy recovery.

Health Concerns and Devotees’ Support

Premanand Maharaj has been battling serious health issues for years. His kidneys failed several years ago, and he has been undergoing dialysis ever since. In response to a devotee’s query, Maharaj once shared that due to his kidney condition, he is not allowed to drink much water. Doctors conduct his dialysis sessions every week and provide necessary treatment.

Despite his health struggles, thousands of devotees visit Vrindavan daily to seek his blessings. Many wait by the roadside all night just to catch a glimpse of him during his yatra. However, with the recent suspension, devotees will now have to wait for updates on when they might see him again.

The Disease Affecting Premanand Maharaj

According to media reports, Premanand Maharaj is suffering from Autosomal Dominant Polycystic Kidney Disease (ADPKD). This genetic disorder is inherited from parents and causes kidney enlargement due to fluid-filled cysts. Over time, the condition leads to kidney failure. Premanand Maharaj’s kidneys have been non-functional for nearly 19 years.

Despite his condition, Maharaj always appears cheerful, inspiring his devotees. Many find it hard to believe that he is battling such a severe illness. His followers attribute his resilience to the divine blessings of Radha Rani, considering it a miraculous phenomenon.

As devotees continue to pray for his recovery, they hope for the day when Premanand Maharaj can resume his sacred yatra and bless them once again.